ignition.

Well said.

As much as I like Watts as a person, he's teased us far too much. He came back from the last off-season underdone, and as time goes on I don't think he'll ever get to a point where he'll consistently tear games apart. Stringer, on the other hand, has all the attributes to do so. Granted, I don't know the extent of his off field problems, but if our coaching group genuinely believe they can get the best out of him, I say go for it. A direct swap between Watts and Stringer should be sufficient (maybe an exchange of later picks would be required). A fresh start for both may be all they need.

Who's that Dustin Martin? Stringer is a high end 23 year old talent with a premiership and an all-australian next to his name. I find it staggering to see the trends of negativity that arise when certain (or any) players arise for trade. I only have to look as far as the Tom Mitchell or Tom Rockcliff thread this time last year. Any and every excuse in the book gets raised. What I don't know is if it's a Melbourne fan, or just a footy fan thing. I have no doubt that the club could improve his off field problems, if any. Just like they did with Garlett. It's also a part of maturing. If the club don't join the hunt, let alone inquire, it would be a crying shame.

I'm curious, who here would entice the idea of a Watts for Stringer trade? I can't see it happening, but as much as I like Watts, I'd be for it.

I'm surprised there isn't much more talk on this matter. I wouldn't mind seeing the club end up with a couple Jakes (Stringer and Lever) this trade period.

Image what could be accomplished with both Stringer and Petracca playing the half-forward wing/midfield roles. I hope we go hard. He's a star who's market value is currently below its true worth.

The club would be foolish not to inquire. His 2015 form was just sensational. Both, Brendan McCartney (ex-coach) and Todd Viney (2012 recruitment manager, also having spent a lot of time around the Vic Country squad) should have a good insight into his character.

I thought he was sensational in the game he played against us. He really stood out for me, and that is the main reason why I started this thread. For me he looked to be in a similar class to several of our young talents. If we can acquire him for a third, or particularly a forth round pick, it's great value! I see far greater upside in Balic over the likes of drafting another 18 year old Hulett or Johnston. Granted, Taylor may find another Hunt via the draft, but I saw Balic in a similar league, albeit a completely different role. Hope we grab him.

That has to be the most Gentleman-like argument I've seen on here. Hats off to you both

Our skills by foot are also atrocious (bar a few of course). Clarkson is renowned for saying "if you can't kick, you can't play". It makes me wonder how many of our best 22 would fit into his lineup. Is one reason for this because our team also trains by overusing the handball? I hope over the off season the coaches revisit the basics of spreading, kicking and rapidly hitting lead up targets. The club also needs to look into getting a kicking coach (or at least place some emphasis on kicking technique).

No. He did show some promise but ultimately I can't see him developing much further (certainly not to a Rance, Hurley, McGovern, Talia level). Also, if we acquire Lever we have no need for him. I'd rather see the club focus on generating additional midfield or small forward depth.

Please name them. Who of our "too many" inside midfielders are actually up to scratch? Who will make our midfield one of, if not the best midfield in the competition that is capable of pushing for a flag? I can think of two players. That is all.

Failed season. This is far more damaging than what it seems. A finals team would have boosted 2018 memberships and should have helped in recruiting players from other clubs. Not good enough. We let too many easy games slip this year.

F*** off then. While you're at it buy yourself a Crows membership. They [censored] me off too, but I'll still be renewing my membership.

I said it this time last season as I cheered on Collingwood (to provide us with a slim chance of finals). We have to make our own luck. We can't rely on this rubbish. Our 2017 season is officially a failure. We had our chances: Hawthorne, Fremantle, North Melbourne, Collingwood, just to name a few.

All over now. Can't see the Crows digging deep for a couple last minute goals.

WOW! A perfect spoil. No doubt this umpiring is one-sided.

It is mathematically impossible. The two teams won't match their respective scores for and against. It will just drop down to the next digit behind the decimal point.

AFL get a bigger pay packet if a WA team is in finals. More so than four Vic teams. AFL "equality" between teams at its finest.

NOPE, I can't keep away. Our percentage is 105.222%, currently 8th. WCE are currently 105.159% This is going down to the wire. EDIT: Just seen "Kiss of Deaths" post. Apologies for the double up.

WCE currently in 8th on 105.3%.

This time last year I found myself having to support the Pies (I think) for a slim chance of us to make the eight. They lost and I recall saying "I hope I never have to cheer them on again". Today is the same for me. We had an opportunity to make our own luck, but instead, our finals birth rests upon that of Adelaide. So I'll be tuning out, getting on with my Sunday, and will view the final result later.

Yes, we let one slip today. However, will the umpiring be one sided in favour of the Eagles tomorrow? Surely it's beneficial for the AFL to have a W.A team in the finals (particularly financially). We all know how much they love "equality" amongst the teams. Hope I'm wrong.

Fu**ing pathetic! They're killing us at the contest, the spread, and tackling pressure. If I anyone says we have "too much of that type" regarding on-ballers, please cut up your membership.

Vince is cooked! Lewis isn't far-off either. For "wise-heads" they make some stupid decisions or kick poorly.